Snap Judgments: USMNT vs. Costa Rica – World Cup Qualifier (09.01.17)

It was the fans of Los Ticos who were able to wave their red, white and blue flag proudly after Costa Rica’s 2-0 win over the United States, the country’s first win in World Cup Qualifying on US soil in 32 years. (Robert Cole/ALOST)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica forward Marco Ureña watches the ball go out of play during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Michael Bradley (right) tries to maintain possession of the ball while being challenged by Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Fabian Johnson (left) jumps in the air to try and win a header in front of Costa Rica defender Cristian Gamboa during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

A member of Uncle Sam's Army, the United States Men's Soccer Team supporting section, applauds in the stands during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game between the US and Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States defender Graham Zusi (left) chases for the ball while being pursued by Costa Rica defender Bryan Oviedo during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica forward Marco Ureña moves in on the opponent's goal during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica forward Marco Ureña celebrates his goal during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (in green) dives to secure possession of the ball in front of teammate Johnny Acosta during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica defender Cristian Gamboa (above, in red) wins a header in front of United States midfielder Fabian Johnson during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States defender Geoff Cameron (left) is held in the penalty area by Costa Rica defender Kendall Watson during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas looks out to the outfield during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas tends to his goal during the first half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Bobby Wood (right) falls to the turf as he is challenged for the ball by Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Members of the Costa Rica and United States soccer teams converge in front of the Costa Rica penalty area during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Darlington Nagbe attempts a shot during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Bobby Wood runs down the left side of the pitch during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Darlington Nagbe (l.) possesses the ball in front of Costa Rica midfielder David Guzman during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Darlington Nagbe (l.) is challenged for the ball with a shoulder charge by Costa Rica defender Johnny Acosta during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica defender Johnny Acosta (l.) tries to shield United States forward Bobby Wood from the ball during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Bobby Wood (right) tries to attempt a shot on goal in front of Costa Rica defender Cristian Gamboa during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (right) gets set to pick up the ball as teammate Johnny Acosta looks on during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against the United States at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Jozy Altidore gets set to attempt a shot during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Jozy Altidore reacts on the ground after failing to meet a cross during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica defender Bryan Oviedo (r.) shields United States defender Graham Zusi from the ball during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Jozy Altidore (left) tries to fight through the challenge inside of the penalty area of Costa Rica defender Johnny Acosta during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rican fans celebrate in the stands after Costa Rica scored its second goal in the 82nd minute against the United States inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Christian Pulisic chases after the ball during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game against Costa Rica inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States forward Bobby Wood (left) tries to win a header in front of Costa Rica defender Michael Umaña during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

United States midfielder Christian Pulisic (left) tries to avoid the challenge of Costa Rica defender Johnny Acosta during the second half of a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying game inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rican fans celebrate at the end of the game after Costa Rica defeated the United States 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica goalkeeper midfielder David Guzman hugs a teammate after Costa Rica defeated the United States 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Members of the United States National Soccer Team acknowledge the fans and walk on the pitch after they were defeated by Costa Rica 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Members of the Costa Rica National Team celebrate on the pitch after they defeated the United States 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier: United States vs. Costa Rica (09.01.17)

Costa Rica manager Óscar Ramirez pumps his fists in the air towards the Costa Rica fans after his team defeated the United States 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifying game inside of Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sept. 1, 2017. (Photo by Robert Cole)

– by Adesina O. KoikiA Lot of Sports Talk editor-in-chief

HARRISON, NJ — In the figurative sense, Costa Rica took advantage of its few shots that it had on Friday night to come away with one of the most historic wins in the nation’s footballing history. Literally, they only had two shots on goal the entire match.

Both of them went in the back of the net.

Marco Ureña scored on each side of the halftime break as Costa Rica dealt the United States team a ego-bruising 2-0 defeat inside of Red Bull Arena, Costa Rica’s first win on American soil in a World Cup Qualifier since 1985. Los Ticos now just need to collect three points combined in its final three games in the hexagonal qualifying round to secure a 2018 World Cup spot. The United States now is tied with Honduras for third-place – and the last automatic World Cup qualifying place – with a daunting trip to San Pedro Sula in Honduras to play its next qualifying match in four days time on Tuesday.

Costa Rica played five at the back and spent most of the time flooding the midfield, not allowing the United States to gain any real rhythm all night. When the US had its chances, they were wasteful and lacked the clinical finishing touch, whether it be with the inch-perfect pass or with an accurate shot to test Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Costa Rica found its breakthrough in the 30th minute after center backs Geoff Cameron and Tim Ream were exposed for being too far apart, allowing a pass down the middle to send Ureña through on the United States goal. Ureña, who plays in Major League Soccer for the San Jose Earthquakes, made no mistake in slotting home a shot across American goalkeeper Tim Howard to the far post to give Costa Rica the lead.

A few minutes before that, the United States had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when forward Jozy Altidore was run into by defender Kendall Watson. Altidore’s night got a whole lot worse in the 80th minute, picking up a yellow card, one which will now rule him out of the Honduras game due to yellow card accumulation.

Ureña capped off the evening with his second goal, capitalizing from a bad pass by Cameron to once again move in on Howard’s goal virtually unfettered before finishing off the Americans with his strike.

The biggest difference maker in tonight’s game may have well been Navas, who made a spectacular save off of a deflected shot from the foot of Christian Pulisic in the 67th minute. Led by Navas, who skipped the Gold Cup competition earlier this summer, Costa Rica outscored the United States 6-0 in the two qualifying games in the “Hex.” The United States took just one point out of a possible 12 in offer in the two games against both Mexico and Costa Rica, the top two teams in qualifying.

*Editor’s note: Above the story is the photo gallery from today’s game, with all photos taken by our senior photographer, Robert Cole. After clicking on the first photo to enlarge the picture, make sure to press the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through the rest of the pictures. There are 35 pictures in total.

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